https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles.atomHer Riding Habit - Profiles2019-03-01T14:41:00-05:00Her Riding Habithttps://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/kelsey-eliot-kelsey-does-the-derby2019-03-01T14:41:00-05:002019-03-01T14:49:53-05:00Kelsey Eliot - Kelsey Does the Derby!Molly McGinness
I like to think of myself as the “everyday equestrian.” My equine resume is modest, but my experience is scrappy and practical. I’ve been trail riding since I was about 8 and from there my passion has grown.

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Hey there! My name is Kelsey Eliot. I like to think of myself as the “everyday equestrian.” My equine resume is modest, but my experience is scrappy and practical. I’ve been trail riding since I was about 8 and from there my passion has grown. I’ve guided riding tours in Iceland, I’ve played arena polo for the past three winters, and recently I started competing in Limited Distance endurance rides all over the eastern United States, which has left we wanting more. Way more.

So I entered the Mongol Derby, a 1000km (621 mile) horse race across Mongolia on semi-feral horses with no marked trail. If that sounds crazy to you, that's because it is! This race has only about a 50% completion rate and riders often suffer from illness, heat exhaustion, and broken bones.

As one would expect, this ride requires the best, most durable, most comfortable gear there is. Here’s the top five things I’m planning to take with me:

Tipperary Sportage Helmet: you will almost never see me on a horse without a helmet and the Mongol Derby is definitely NOT the place to be without one. I’ve been using their helmets for several years and find them to be very lightweight and comfortable, plus they are a very economical price.

Keen Terradora Mid Hiking Boots: The Mongol Derby, endurance riding, and trail riding all call for a good, sturdy, comfortable pair of boots that are not only good for riding, but able to take me cross country on foot as well. I am in love with these boots. Slimmer shaped than a traditional keen boot, they are very lightweight for a hiking boot and required no breaking in. When I discovered that my half chaps fit over them comfortably, I abandoned all other riding boots.

UV protective buff: these are super versatile little things. Wear it as a neck gaiter, a hat, a face mask...they’re great for taming that helmet hair at the end of a ride, too.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer jacket: I live in upstate New York and ride year round. The winter weather is volatile and I need to stay warm! This jacket weighs only 6 ounces but packs as much heat as a ski coat, especially when you’re being active. It’s perfect for both home and Mongolia; the weather out on the steppe will be unpredictable and being able to stow this jacket with ease will be key.

Franco C Saddlery Mongol Derby Saddle with Tucker Trooper fenders: this is a two-for one. The saddle is custom made for the derby to fit the Mongolian horses. There’s almost nothing to this saddle—exactly what endurance needs. The seat is only 13.5 inches. The fenders I have picked out myself, to fit easily into the slots on the saddle tree. An English leather would rub a hole in my leg for 1000km, so the fenders are key and will also help provide stability.

Bonus Item! Kroop's 13-five Goggles, they've got silicone on the inside of the band so they don't slip on your helmet and you're less likely to lose them if you end up in a sticky situation. I just bought them for the derby but so far I love them!

I'm still working on dialing in the rest of my kit and have a number of items left on my list to acquire. If you are able to help me with this, head on over to my gofundme page! gofundme.com/kelseydoesthederby You can also follow my journey on Facebook and Instagram.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/juliana-chapman-the-tech-equestrian2019-02-04T17:49:00-05:002019-02-04T17:49:54-05:00Juliana Chapman - The Tech EquestrianMolly McGinness
I came up with the idea for The Tech Equestrian blog years ago given my background in technology marketing, writing (I’m a published author) and of course horseback riding.

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I started riding when I was ten years old at a local riding stable in a Rhode Island state park, (Goddard Park for those Rhode Islanders) so you can imagine the fun I had riding the trails that hugged the coastline and practicing the basic skills in the ring. When I was twelve, I received a Welsh pony for Christmas who carried me to many wins in the Rhode Island circuit from pet trail pony to pony hunter. I spent every spare minute taking care of my pony from feeding/grooming to cleaning the stall and training for shows. Once I outgrew my pony, I rode all different types of horses and ponies and trained at Fieldholme Farms in Barrington, RI in my junior years. I have many fond memories of the horses, my trainer and the early mornings getting ready for shows.

Riding is such a special and unique sport because you are working with a live animal and all its nuances. The human/horse bond is so powerful, and it can teach you so much about being in tune with your fears, emotions and more. In addition, riding helps you develop and build your human relationships – from your trainer, to owner (in some cases) to fellow equestrians and even your non-equestrian friends. I also like the constant care and routine of horses – it is therapeutic on so many levels.

In my youth I had the pleasure of riding all throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts and as an adult, I even lived and rode in Nassau, Bahamas for two years (see photos). The Bahamas has an active horse scene and holds annual shows during the winter season. I leased a horse, Sammy, who is a thoroughbred/quarter horse cross, and we showed adult equitation and hunter. I’ve also ridden in Bermuda and in Germany and strongly recommend if you get a chance to ride in other parts of the world – to go for it! I am planning a dude ranch trip this summer to Wyoming, to embrace the Western world and ride the open country.

I came up with the idea for The Tech Equestrian blog years ago given my background in technology marketing, writing (I’m a published author) and of course horseback riding. Although at the time, the tech world had not entered the horse world yet. Last year, in early January I decided it was time and ended up interviewing and writing about 30 horse tech companies to start educating the world on what’s new and what’s next. It’s an exciting time to see all the new entries from apps to wearables to online tools and products all designed to help with horse health and care. I hope you take some time to explore what I’ve covered at: www.thetechequestrian.com.

Ariat Heritage Zip Ladies Paddock boots; I have them in both black and brown; I have a high arch, so they feel really comfortable and support my foot and standing in them for a while doesn’t bother me.

I love wearing gloves (in any weather, especially in the heat because my hands sweat) and wear traditional black SSG’s.

Samshield Helmet – I love a little bling – so the Shadowmatt Swarovski Crystal Helmet does the trick! (I had a bad riding accident, so I never get on a horse without a helmet – you just never know!)

I can’t share favorite apps, because I write about them on the blog and have to be vendor neutral – but I encourage you to check them out - there are so many amazing ones to choose from! www.thetechequestrian.com

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/eliza-mcgraw-author2019-01-30T10:18:00-05:002019-01-30T15:40:28-05:00Eliza McGraw - AuthorMolly McGinness
I’m the author of Here Comes Exterminator! which is about the 1918 Kentucky Derby winner. I write about horses and racing history for various publications. I’ve been riding since I was very young,

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author of Here Comes Exterminator! which is about the 1918 Kentucky Derby winner. I write about horses and racing history for various publications. I’ve been riding since I was very young, didn’t ride enough through high school and college, and then got all the way back in in 1994, when I moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Today, I have a little Paint mare named Sugar who lives on a beautiful farm not too far from my house in Washington, D.C. She’s 26, a terrific sport and just about the gamest trail and all-around horse ever. She taught both of my children to trust horses and she and I are very close. My five must-haves are:

Ariat Black Zippered Paddock Boots

I think these may reveal that I got way back into riding in the mid-90s, but I haven’t ever gotten tired of them and just keep replacing them. Did they always call them “Heritage?” That is certainly how I feel about them. I don’t ride competitively these days, so these are what I wear all the time. They are great. When it’s really cold, I have a winter version, which are truly the same pair I have always had—they don’t get as much action, but they’re very warm.

Du-Mor Horse Treats, Molasses Flavor

You get these at Tractor Supply and horses love them. I always have a bag in my truck, and that’s what I’ve given my horses as treats forever. In my household, we call them cookies, which is what my horse Romeo’s barn manager Bruce called them when he introduced me to them. He always had some in his truck for the horses. The packaging has changed over the years, but the cookies (I think) stay the same. A crowd-pleaser. There are horse cookie crumbs in the pockets of most of my jeans.

Keeneland Anorak

I feel like an outrider in this—that is, resilient and knowledgeable, like I can handle anything, horse-wise. It’s dark green and has a Keeneland logo on it. I bought it—of course--at Keeneland—they have a terrific store but it feels like something I have had forever. (It has that 1980s boxy anorak look. I have an anorak that’s actually from 1986 or so and it’s the same sort of thing.) And the big front pocket fits plenty of treats. (See above.)

Midweight blue Rambo blanket

It is at this point that I have to admit that I sort of dislike blanketing—well, I should say, I don’t like how owning blankets makes me feel in the sense that I never know if it should be on or off, no matter how many times I run the cold plus wet algorithm through my head and consult with my friend Kitson who keeps her horses at the same barn. My horses (until this year—we decided that 26 years old deserved a stall) have always been out 24-7, and often, a thick coat is plenty for a Mid-Atlantic winter. But Kitson has lent Sugar the most wonderful Rambo. It’s this perfect mid-weight blanket, it stays on, and it is the exact perfect thing for our climate. It does say “TAFFY” on it, because that is Kitson’s cob’s name, and it used to be his, but it fits Sugar perfectly and she likes it as much as I like my anorak.

Romeo’s halter

My beloved gelding Romeo died in 2008, when he was 15. I have never gotten over this, and have no plans to do so. I’ve hung onto his old leather halter. It has his show name on it—When in Rome—and is very scuffed up. (I like using a leather halter for everyday and he wore it all the time.) In the years since he’s died, I’ve learned that this is called a “linking object,” which makes sense, because it does have some connective power. But I’ve also talked to a lot of horse people about loss, and I think while we have a matter-of-fact understanding about the fact that horses die, we also let each other talk about our lost horses in a way that I find provides a constant connection, too.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/susan-friedland-smith-saddle-seeks-horse2019-01-03T10:39:00-05:002019-01-30T10:19:38-05:00Susan Friedland-Smith - Saddle Seeks HorseMolly McGinness
My riding debut started out as backyardy as backyardy can be, hopping on borrowed horses from family friends’ fields and then progressing through lessons at horse camp, riding in a local

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When I’m on the back of a horse, I enjoy a time out from the stresses of life. It’s like a mini-vacation. I relish being out in nature while simultaneously forging a bond with one of God’s most magnificent creatures. Every ride is a new adventure. Joyful and free are the best words to proclaim how I feel around horses. My name is Susan Friedland-Smith and I’m horse obsessed.

Blogger, Author and Horse Girl 24/7

By profession I’m a middle school history teacher, but my passion is horses. I blog about life as an everyday equestrian at Saddle Seeks Horse and write feature stories for magazines like Horse Illustrated and Sidelines. I recently published my first book: Horses Adored and Men Endured: a Memoir of Falling Off and Getting Back Up. It’s a quirky reflection on how when I was a girl I wanted to marry a horse, and when I was around 30 I thought I actually might have to marry my horse since I went on way too many completely disastrous dates. The chapters alternate between sharing stories of lame men and gentlemanly steeds.

My riding debut started out as backyardy as backyardy can be, hopping on borrowed horses from family friends’ fields and then progressing through lessons at horse camp, riding in a local riding school, then working with a hunter/jumper trainer and showing on the circuit in the Chicago area. The last couple of decades on and off I’ve been in the world of hunt seat riding with an occasional dressage lesson. This past fall I joined a local fox hunt and am having a blast. After years of arena riding, I feel like I’m reconnecting with the way I grew up riding--hopping on the back of a horse and heading out into the countryside to explore and ride fast.

I live in Orange County, California with my horse hubby Mark, Golden Retriever and Doberman. My lucky OTTB Knight lives in Temecula wine country in a glorious green pasture with a couple of buddy horses. I bought him a few years ago when he was a greenie and we’ve been to a few local hunter/jumper shows. However, 2018 has been dedicated to rehab for an injury and coming up for a plan based on his recent kissing spine diagnosis. I’m not sure what our future plans are as a team, but I’m confident he’ll tell me what he can do as we head into the new year. Picture Credits: Lady Photographic for all riding photo

County Stabilizer Saddle

I’m a devoted County Stabilizer saddle fan. I have my original light tan County Stabilizer from around 1997, that I might still be riding in if the tree fit Knight. My newer County Stabilizer is from about 2016 and the love fest continues. I am a huge proponent of wool flocking so that the saddle can be adjusted to fit your horse when his muscling changes. The workmanship on County saddles is unparalleled. I have been told each saddle is made by one person in England and there is a way to trace back who the artisan was based on how it’s numbered. I’m glad this old-fashioned, slow version of saddle making still thrives as I’m not convinced new, factory techniques and the latest materials serve our horses best.

Sun Shirts.

Where I ride there are no indoor arenas and it’s usually very sunny. When I ride, I want sun protection and to stay cool. I have three favorite brands of sun shirts for different reasons. First, Kastel sun shirts are durable, have an attractive fit on my body type and come in a gorgeous array of colors. Next, Ariat winter tech shirts are warm for winter riding, but still breathable. I wear them as a base layer under sweaters when I go visit my family in Chicago during the holidays. I have been know to wear the Ariat and Callidae (my third pick) shirts to work AND get compliments from colleagues! What is special about the Callidae is it looks dressier--like wearing a nice blouse under a sweater. Very preppy and classy. I wore my blue Callidae with little foxes during the fox hunting clinic I attended in October, that launched my new obsession with fox hunting.

Kate Spade Sunglasses

About 90% of the time I ride in sunglasses as it’s bright when I ride. I have two favorite Kate Spade pairs, both with a cat eye vibe. They are tortoiseshell and make me feel a little bit glam in the saddle.

Equivisor

Speaking of sun, in the spring, summer and most of fall I wear my Equivisor. I have one in dark brown cotton and one in jute. It is almost a requirement if you don’t want to squint with the strong sun blazing down and also reflecting back up in some arenas here in SoCal. If you’re not familiar with the Equivisor, it is an extra wide visor with an adjustable velcro strap; it’s made specifically for riding helmets.

Roeckl Riding Gloves

Roeckl are the best around! The gloves are durable and you can even throw them in the washing machine. They make really good colors too. I enjoyed my navy pair, but most of the time wear black.

Picture Credits: Lady Photographic for all riding photos

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/holly-marescara2018-12-28T00:39:00-05:002019-02-01T17:04:34-05:00Holly - MarescaraMolly McGinness
I'm Holly, amateur eventer and blogger over at Marescara! I currently live in Indiana where I event BN with my leased Saddlebred gelding. I've always loved clothes and makeup and everything girly,

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I'm Holly, amateur eventer and blogger over at Marescara! I currently live in Indiana where I event BN with my leased Saddlebred gelding. I've always loved clothes and makeup and everything girly, but I also think there's no better feeling than galloping a cross country course. My top five, in no particular order...

Animo Breeches

I can blame blogland for introducing these to me - but I adore them. They're made of the best technical fabric that never stretches out, doesn't stain (even my whites!), and stays dry - no matter how sweaty I get. Their grip system is basically my saving grace when I see terrible distances or Doc decides to do his best racehorse impression. There is no denying they're pricey, but I've been lucky to find all of mine on sale or used and they're worth every penny.

Hermes H Belt

This is definitely the bougiest thing to put on this list - but I adore mine and wear it constantly, both at the barn and in day to day life. Since my name starts with H, I wanted one of these forever. I finally found one used and took a leap on it and haven't looked back twice since. You definitely don't need a belt this pricey or fancy, but I figure I'll own it the rest of my life and it goes with almost every outfit I wear.

Road ID Elite

I ride alone or with one or two other people at the barn more than I'd like - just the life of a working amateur. In order to stay safe, I keep my phone on me, but I also wear my Road ID at all times. I originally got mine for cross country (I find armbands super distracting and annoying), but now it's just a permanent addition to my wardrobe. Personally, I love the Elite because of the clasp and adjustability.I admittedly don't have a good photo of it - because I forget I have it on. I ordered mine in navy since approximately 93% of my wardrobe is navy, both riding and not, with a rose gold ID. It has my pertinent info, emergency contact and my favorite line from the Auburn creed: "And a spirit that is not afraid" which is the perfect confidence booster pre-cross country run.

Sunscreen

It wouldn't be my profile if there wasn't a skincare or makeup item here... and it's also probably the single most important thing on this list (and #2 behind wearing a helmet in my list of priorities!) - SUNSCREEN. I preach sunscreen religiously to everyone who knows me because we're riders and that means spending a lot of time outside. Did you know the average shirt only has a UPF of 5? Anything below 15 isn't considered protective. The best thing you can do to protect yourself from skin cancer (and aging!) is wearing a great, broad spectrum sunscreen. Don't forget on cloudy days too - they still have UVA rays which are the ones that cause aging (quick way to remember UVA causes Aging, UVB causes burns... and neither are good!) My favorite sunscreen for summer riding is the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce SPF 50+ because it's waterproof (and sweatproof!) and for winter, I really like the Supergoop Unseen Broad Spectrum SPF 40. They're both great, but you can find great broad spectrum sunscreens anywhere. It's like they say about helmets: the best sunscreen is the one you wear!

Happy Step Memory Foam Insoles

I don't have a photo of the inside of my boots because that would be... weird but believe me when I tell you the #1 game changer in my tall boots are these $14 insoles from Amazon. I originally bought them because my brown tall boots are a little big in the foot and I wanted to take up some space. I quickly ended up purchasing a pair for every pair of tall boots I own. They've made my boots as comfortable to wear as sneakers. Course walks, setting jumps, searching arenas for lost shoes *ahem* all are non-issues with these and I'm forever grateful to not be swapping shoes at the barn! I just pulled the old insoles out of my boots, lined them up with the new ones, cut the new ones to fit and the rest is history.]]>
https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/camille-champagne-gobi-desert-cup-organizer-and-more2018-12-15T16:55:00-05:002018-12-15T16:55:53-05:00Camille Champagne - Gobi Desert Cup Organizer (and more)Molly McGinness
My name is Camille Champagne. I am a 31-year old endurance rider, event organizer and mum from Queensland Australia. I have a great passion for horses, travel, adventure, endurance, and Mongolia.

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My name is Camille Champagne. I am a 31-year old endurance rider, event organizer and mum from Queensland Australia. I have a great passion for horses, travel, adventure, endurance, and Mongolia. I am a qualified FEI 3* rider and travel the world to ride and make the world a better place.

Usually, endurance means long days in the saddle whether training or competing. Wearing the right equipment is very important. I am the ride organizer for The Gobi Desert Cup, and part of my job is to help our riders get ready for the 480 km endurance race in Mongolia.

Living in Australia and working in the Gobi Desert means a lot of long, hot days and sometimes rain. As a rider, mum and ride director I have a hectic schedule and must have great gear to follow me on my journey around the globe. A lot of the equipment I have used at home for training, in competition and during my own 1000km trek across Mongolia.

Let’s start with my shoes: I do a bit of running to help my horses out at an endurance ride, and my favourites are the Salomon Wings Pro 2. I have worn them on all my big rides including the trek in Mongolia and Walvis Bay, the African championship. They offer great support but also comfort while riding and running all day. On hot days they seem to keep my feet cool, and if you pick the right size you will never have sore feet!

Shirts! Those are so important when riding in the desert. They must be sun proof, breathable, durable, have a collar for FEI rides and last. When I get a good one, I like to keep it for my big races. You can run, ride, sweat all day, yet look smart and sunburn free while enjoying the breeze! These are a favourite and a significant part of my attire.

We are getting the 2019 Gobi Desert Cup riders a shirt made by PERFORMA RIDE (very impressed with the quality and price) which I recently got for myself. They are flattering, have great material and most importantly feel good while training in 35 – 40 degree heat. I have also used the ones made by Nike and like them too. Great value for money (around $80, they are still going great after 2-3 years!).

When it comes to looking after yourself, for safety and comfort I like the EZ Ride Nylon caged stirrups. They are wide which takes a lot of pressure off your legs while riding long distances. They are also great as they will stop your foot sliding forward if you get tired or your horse plays up. These are the best quality and well worth the $175 AUD. Mine lasted me five intensive years of riding and they are thick enough to allow resting my foot comfortably.

A great reliable electrolyte, that is simple and offers different formula: electrolytes, shakes for recovery, fuel energy, etc… is TAILWIND. Their customer service along with their product is second to none. They have given us electrolytes to use during the 2018 Gobi Desert Cup, and it worked great. A great and simple product that does the job. However, it does not substitute for your fluids. You must drink plenty while riding. During the race, we usually recommend 5 to 6 liters of water a day per rider.

Chaps are essential as they need to keep your muscles and soft tissues warm. I like them to look great, be comfortable and allow me to ride from training to 160 and 1000km without hurting. Your legs may swell while riding all day. You need to be able to move. My favourites are custom made by INTERCUIR in France. You can have them made in any colour you like with many design and colours available. My favourite model is Saumur, very flattering and elegant and theyhave lasted years. Another great product that ticks all the boxes.

When riding long distances or taking part in any long ride, whether it is an endurance race or a trek, try your gear over and over. What works for someone doesn’t necessarily work for someone else. To become a favourite, I like to try my gear on many rides at home, during training and abroad. The price must be right, the quality and material must be up to significant challenges in the heat and rain for my case. I also want everything to last at least two hard seasons, nothing worse than having to start with new gear…I like to use the ones who already have experience with the jobs. All of these must also be presentable to ride in an FEI endurance ride.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/natasha-traurig-traurig-tradition-inc2018-12-07T20:44:00-05:002018-12-07T20:46:19-05:00Natasha Traurig - Traurig Tradition, Inc.Molly McGinness
I've been riding since I was very young. I was born into an equestrian family: my mother, Christine, is an Olympic dressage rider, and my father, Bernie, is best known for his accomplishments as a Grand Prix Showjumper

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I've been riding since I was very young. I was born into an equestrian family: my mother, Christine, is an Olympic dressage rider, and my father, Bernie, is best known for his accomplishments as a Grand Prix Showjumper - but was also very successful in dressage and eventing. I was taught primarily by both of my parents, until I turned professional at the age of 18 and began working for and studying under other great riders, like Simon Nizri, Mandy Porter, Michelle Parker, and recently acquired a lot of experience and accomplishments as part of Neil Jones Equestrian. I currently run my own business here in San Diego, California, and focus primarily on the training and development of young horses. I absolutely love producing young horses and find it not only an important facet of the sport to emphasize, but it is very fulfilling to grow with a horse through its career. Find me on instagram or on facebook.

BREECHES

I absolutely LOVE Mastermind breeches. I swear by them as being the most comfortable, well-fitting breeches you can find. They are detailed with elegance, and I love their color options available. I also find them to be the most durable out of any other breeches - considering I ride around 8 horses every day and work in the barn.

BOOTS

For the show ring, I prefer my Secchiari boots. I purchased my first custom pair at Solea Equestrian, designed all black with a bit of patent piping at the top. I'm very simple and traditional when it comes to my show boots, and find Secchiari to be my favorite because I can create an elegant boot that is tough enough to handle the amount of ring time I have, yet keeping a stylish and classy look. Side note: under my boots, I always have Foothuggies riding socks on. Jeffi at Foothuggies makes the best socks for riding. Soft, comfortable, no-tear or holes, and sweat-proof! You can also design your own pair with your logo, name, or horses. They're fun!

HELMET

I've tried so many helmets - really, SO many - and have to say that my all-time favorite helmet is the Samshield Miss Shield. It's classic, so comfortable, and offers a wide rim to protect your face from excess sun exposure. They also offer this helmet with rose gold piping, and it is gorgeous!

COAT

I have all of my show coats designed and tailored by Alex of Solea Equestrian. He makes the BEST coats that are breathable, beautiful, and elegant to fit. If you are ever in the Southern California area, I definitely suggest you stop by his boutique at any of the shows here to check out his designs. Or shop his instagram at @soleaequestrian.

SADDLE

My CWD 2g Mademoiselle is by far the best saddle I have ridden in. It fits every horse I put it on. Detailed but a classic look. And, most importantly, I feel close to the horse. I find too many saddles these days are so over-produced with padding and elements that take your leg and connection away from the horses. I don't find that the case with my Mademoiselle and feel truly connected to my horse and able to apply my seat and leg correctly and effectively.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/helen-pollock-life-equestrian2018-11-25T22:58:00-05:002018-11-25T22:58:14-05:00Helen Pollock - Life EquestrianMolly McGinness
Born and raised in Calgary Alberta, next to Spruce Meadows, riding was built into my DNA. Today I work, ride, and compete in the Southern California area, making my barn home out in Simi Valley with Storia Stables.

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Born and raised in Calgary Alberta, next to Spruce Meadows, riding was built into my DNA. Today I work, ride, and compete in the Southern California area, making my barn home out in Simi Valley with Storia Stables. I love the equestrian world and hope to spread news of new tack, technology and trends via my blog, Life Equestrian and instagram @life_equestrian. I am humbled daily by the lessons horses give us in our lives and am forever grateful for having them in my life.

Struck Breeches are my go-to and favorite breeches to practice and show in. They offer a lower cut with a wide belt to keep in place while riding. I love that these breeches hold their shape and continue to wear extremely well.

Silver Oaks Farm creates one-of-a-kind custom apparel. I absolutely love the design and style Erin brings to the market. Her denim shirt is an equestrian must-have.

Parlanti Tall Boots are my go-to boot. They are soft and ready to go immediately. I love riding in my Parlanti's as they give me such a close feel to the horse giving me extra connection through my lower leg.

CWD Mademoiselle Saddle is hands down my favorite and most comfortable saddle I've ever sat in. The softness of the leather makes for an immediate break-in. The fit and design of the saddle keeps my leg where it should be, helping to maintain the proper leg position over each fence.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/victoria-colvin-professional-rider-and-trainer2018-11-19T08:30:00-05:002018-11-19T14:56:42-05:00Victoria Colvin - Professional Rider and TrainerMolly McGinness
My name is Victoria Colvin and I am a professional rider and trainer based out of Wellington, Florida, although I spend a lot of the year traveling to horse shows across the country, as well.

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My name is Victoria Colvin and I am a professional rider and trainer based out of Wellington, Florida, although I spend a lot of the year traveling to horse shows across the country, as well. I grew up in Wellington around horses, and have been riding since I was a child - first on ponies, and then I graduated to the bigger horses as a junior. I’ve been lucky to have a lot of success in the equitation, hunter and jumper rings, and am currently riding a very talented string of horses. In the jumper ring, my top mount is Zambia Mystic Rose, owned by Haras Rosa Mystica. In the hunter ring, I am most recently known for riding John and Stephanie Ingram’s Cuba and Brad Wolf’s Private Practice to victory in the 2017 and 2018 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, respectively. My win with Private Practice this year made me the first rider in history to win Derby Finals on two different horses!

I have been riding in Der Dau Dream Boots for years, and I have loved every single pair I have had. From the moment you put these boots on, they fit like a glove and feel like you are walking on air. Some days I ride 10 or more horses, and at the end of the day my boots are still as comfortable as when I put them on. I especially love that Der Dau is also very receptive to any requests I might have - they listen and work hard to make me happy.

GPA helmet

My GPA Safety Legend helmet keep me safe and fits me nicely, in addition to providing ventilation. Since I’m sometimes wearing a helmet for the majority of the day and in the sun, that is a necessity. I wear the First Lady model, which comes with a wider visor to protect me from the sun.

Grand Prix show coats

I absolutely love my Grand Prix jackets. I wear a few different models and colors depending on the class I am riding in, but all of them share the same great qualities. They are comfortable, breathable, durable and stylish. I can slip one on and forget I am wearing it. I tend to stick to the more traditional looks, but Grand Prix also offers lots of options to personalize jackets.

Essex Classics shirts

I always compete in an Essex Classics show shirt. The material is so stretchy and comfortable that it doesn’t bother me throughout the day, which is important since I am getting on and off of horses so frequently. Plus, it looks great, helps to keep me cool and provides some UV protection from the sun.

American Equus stirrups

My American Equus stirrups are always my favorite pair to ride in. Not only can you fully customize them (my favorite pair are light blue with crystals in them), but they ease my knee, ankle and foot pressure thanks to their design. The footbed and arches allow me to ride more naturally, plus the metal is proven to be especially strong in case I should ever fall so that my foot is not injured. I ride in both the Hunter EQ Fillis and E’Lan models, depending on the class and the saddle that I am using.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/sally-batton-head-coach2018-11-13T10:43:00-05:002018-11-13T10:43:12-05:00Sally Batton - Head CoachMolly McGinness
Greetings, I’m Sally Batton from Etna, NH.I am the Head Coach of the Varsity Dartmouth Equestrian Team and the Director of Riding at the Dartmouth Riding Center.

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Greetings, I’m Sally Batton from Etna, NH.I am the Head Coach of the Varsity Dartmouth Equestrian Team and the Director of Riding at the Dartmouth Riding Center.I’ve been coaching in the IHSA for 35 years and loving horses for 58 years!

Although I don’t ride anymore, I do wear riding clothes to teach both my Dartmouth team and for clinics that I teach all over the world.I teach a wide variety of clinics:Jumping, Flat, Balanced Seat, Polocrosse and even Western.I regularly teach in Hawaii, Alaska, South Africa, Southern CA and all over New England.

Stickyseat Breeches:I exclusively wear Stickyseat regular or polarfleece boot-cut breeches.I have tried MANY types and brands of breeches through the years (my children say I have an addiction) and Stickyseat are the most comfortable pants I’ve ever worn.I wear them all day and not only teaching, I wear them to run errands, to concerts, sometimes even to social events.They look just like yoga pants and come in Tall sizes so, for once, they are long enough for me since I’m 5’11”!In addition, I get the kind with the cargo pockets so that I always have a place to carry my cell phone.The only downside to these amazing pants is that due to the “Stickyseat” it can be a little tough to get out of leather seats in a car!

UV Shirts:If it’s a sun shirt of any brand or style, I’ll wear it!For a NH, fair-skinned woman to teach in Hawaii and South Africa, I must have a shirt that’s cool but also provides sun protection.I do love Kerrits because the arms are long enough but I also wear Noble Outfitters, Kastel and regular non-riding brand Columbia.My favorite shirts have a zip pocket somewhere to stash my sunscreen Hawaiin Tropic lip balm and my cheat-sheet of rider names at my clinics!

Hoka One One Shoes:Due to back problems that ended my ability to ride, I MUST have comfortable, supportive shoes to teach clinics for 8-10 hours per day.I would love to wear a paddock boot but just haven’t found one that isn’t stiff.My sports medicine doc recommended Hokas and I’ve worn these dreamy sneakers and hikers ever since!

Columbia Sun Hat and Dark Sunglasses:I wear a wide brim Columbia packable straw hat that is a lifesaver for long days in the broiling sun.You also can always find me in my dark sunglasses, you never know when the paparazzi are lurking nearby.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/molly-ashe-cawley-showjumper2018-11-08T15:20:00-05:002018-11-26T20:04:12-05:00Molly Ashe Cawley - ShowjumperMolly McGinness
Hi I’m Molly Ashe.I have been riding since I was a little kid, in fact I showed in the small pony division at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show when I was 5!Not saying it was a good idea, but I did live to tell about it!!

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Hi I’m Molly Ashe.I have been riding since I was a little kid, in fact I showed in the small pony division at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show when I was 5!Not saying it was a good idea, but I did live to tell about it!!In my many years of competitive show jumping I have tried pretty much every possible article of clothing, tack and product ever created.I am very particular about what goes on the horses and equally as particular with what I use for my attire when riding.If you aren’t comfortable on your horse then you aren’t communicating what you mean to be communicating to the horse and guaranteed they are not comfortable either.I am very fortunate to have many sponsors providing me with most of my top 5 absolute staples to maximize my success while riding.I do not endorse any product I don’t 100 percent believe to be the best available item available in it’s class.So here we go….

Safety- I admit I used to ride with out a helmet regularly, but I do not get on a horse without my Samshield Ms Shield helmet since becoming a mother. Samshield is the only helmet I have found that actually fits my head snugly but doesn’t leave a giant red lump across my forehead and an enormous headache at the end of the ride. I am pretty much on a horse all day every day, so for me this is very important. I also have fallen more times than I care to admit and have not had my Samshield come off or misplace during the fall. I believe in this product so much that my daughter rides in a Samshield as well.

Comfort- I love Animo! I find Animo fits me the best and the company is always working to be ahead of the market in the materials they use. The britches are so comfortable and fit the same pair after pair, which has never been the case with other brands. I wear the same size in every style they have and all fit perfectly. I personally prefer the traditional look when it comes to attire, Blue, Grey or Green coats, fitted britches and tailored coats. There are many riders these days who prefer to shake it up when it comes to their show attire and I think Animo caters to both needs better than most. They also have beautiful sweaters, belts and jeans for non show days.

Comfort- Saddles and tack I am very fortunate to have the support of CWD when it comes to saddles and tack that I use on my horses. I have never been a big believer in the no half pad theory when saddling a horse. I can’t grasp the concept of a half pad causing more discomfort to the horse than the saddle directly on their back. The horses back bends up and down and side to side when flatting and jumping so I believe they should have the freedom to do this. CWD saddles have mastered both horse and rider being comfortable in their saddles. I have 3 different styles from CWD and I can not think of one time since I started riding in their saddles that I have had a vet say saddle fit is a problem. Believe me when I tell you I have ridden many different shapes and sizes during this time. I also love the bridles, girths and breastplates from cwd.

Horse Care Products- I have absolutely zero tolerance for skin problems and boot rubs with my horses. There just is really never an excuse for this is proper care is taken and boots fit correctly. For me Equifit is the leader in the boot department and their products for preventing a problem and for correcting a problem are unparalleled. The company always listens to us when we provide feedback, they send us test products before they market them and they are amazing to work with if they don’t already have the solution manufactured.

Lucky Braids Shampoo, Whitener and Handy Salve. Ruthann, owner of Lucky Braids, has worked in the industry since I was a kid. She developed these products without all the harmful ingredients that most products include and the results are proof that she has made great products. The shampoo doesn’t strip their coats with the frequent bathing show horses no doubt receive. The Whitener is amazing for removing those unsightly spots that grey horses seem to develop over night! I cringe when I see somebody spraying manure stains with alcohol, and marvel as to why they can’t understand the permanent yellow tint their horse has developed.

I hope you all have enjoyed my top 5 staples and hope that you will give some of them a try if you haven’t already.They have been with me through much of my success in this sport.My love for horses has always been with me since I was a little girl and has only grown stronger year after year.They truly are amazing animals.They are so generous and kind and I will always make it my priority to provide them with the best possible life while they are with me.I feel it is the very least I can do for all that they do for me.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/karina-harris-the-hunt2018-11-08T15:13:00-05:002018-11-26T20:02:42-05:00Karina Harris - The HuntMolly McGinness
Hi there! I'm Karina, an equestrian life and style blogger (TheHuntEquestrian) from sunny Southern California. I've had a love for horses and fashion since I was young, and blogging about both has been a dream come true for me.

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Hi there! I'm Karina, an equestrian life and style blogger (TheHuntEquestrian) from sunny Southern California. I ride at Treadway Stables in Newhall, CA and compete in the jumper division with my mare Quintera. I've had a love for horses and fashion since I was young, and blogging about both has been a dream come true for me. My curious nature means I'm always on the hunt for the best new products and brands, and trying anything I can get my hands on. I've tried more stirrup irons and half pads than I'd care to admit, but I hope my experiences and reviews can help others find their favorite items! Speaking of favorite items, here are my top 5...

Struck Breeches: Every time i put on a pair of Strucks, I feel amazing. They fit so well, have the grippiest knee patches, and are SO comfortable.

RJ Classics Monterey Show Jacket: This show jacket is super lightweight, stretchy and comfortable, while still giving me a shape. The patterned fabric gives it a traditional look and adds some dimension. It's also very easy to care for (machine wash, hang dry) and comes out looking perfect every time.

Voltaire Stuttgart Saddle: This saddle is everything. I'm so lucky to have a saddle custom fitted to my horse and I, and the soft, grippy buffalo leather makes it one of my most prized possessions. Antoine, the rep in my area for Voltaire Design, has been phenomenal as far as customer service goes as well!

My Tailored Sportsman belt: I bought this belt on sale in 2014, and it's the one I still reach for the most often. It's broken in perfectly, so comfortable, and matches everything.

Two Bits Equestrian Bamboo V Neck & Bomber: You'll hear me talk a lot about TBE, but I truly just LOVE their clothing. It's the perfect balance of comfort and style. I love feeling like I'm wearing pajamas but looking really put together, and their bamboo V-Neck pullovers and bombers enable me do just that.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/devan-horn-endurance-rider2018-11-08T15:08:00-05:002018-11-26T20:32:36-05:00Devan Horn - Endurance RiderMolly McGinness
My name is Devan Horn, I am a 25 year old endurance rider from Texas. I have been riding competitively for over a decade and enjoy everything from trekking to FEI 3* competitions...just don’t put me in a ring.

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My name is Devan Horn, I am a 25 year old endurance rider from Texas. I have been riding competitively for over a decade and enjoy everything from trekking to FEI 3* competitions...just don’t put me in a ring.

Endurance is a discipline where you spend 3-24 hours a day in the saddle at a time, which is why I love it so much. I have a passion for riding, the outdoors, and pushing my own limits, so it really is a match made in heaven. In addition to over 4,000 accredited miles with AERC (the American Endurance Rider’s Conference) I have also competed all over the world in the UAE, England, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and Mongolia. I have done 5 endurance rides over 500 miles, including 3 trips to the Mongol Derby, the World’s Longest and Toughest Horse Race, done on semi-feral horses. I have also finished the SandyMount Express 1000 kilometer in South Africa, and ridden a pony 500 miles through the backcountry from Denver to Durango, Colorado. I’ve also finished the prestigious Tevis Cup twice.

During the time I’m not on horseback, I’m an Ultra Marathoner, which means I also run distances from 25-100 miles in a day. I have aspirations of going longer though, and am currently eyeing a few multi-day competitions on that front.

Anything I put on my body is expected to keep up and be comfortable, hard stop. If it chafes or wears out quickly, it doesn’t last long in my wardrobe. I’ve found a few pieces that have served me well over my multiple adventures, and can keep up with my lifestyle!

Tipperary Sportage Helmet

The Tipperary Sportage is lightweight, aerodynamic, and cheap. It doesn’t get in the way of my riding and can be replaced economically when needed (after a fall or two). The mesh air vents help keep the heat bearable, and the matte colors don’t soak up heat. Honestly, I’ve forgotten it’s there a few times and driven home with it on (but that could have been exhaustion!)

Nathan VaporHowe 2 Liter and Camelbak Charge 240 2 Liter

I practically live my life in a hydropack, and it’s hard to choose just one! Having liquid readily accessible at all times is a life saver, especially if you’re riding difficult horses. Hydration is so important during endurance rides because if you’re not performing in peak condition, you can’t take care of your horses as well. I like the Camelbak Charge 240 for short rides (25-100 miles), and the Nathan VaporHowe for prolonged efforts. I even run in the Charge, so It’s economical and molded to my body, at this point.

ASICS

I ride and run in ASIC Nimbus 19’s. I run in them until they wear out, and then they become my barn and riding shoes! I made the switch from boots about 7 years ago due to some ankle issues, and never looked back. The ASICS support my feet and ankles, and keep me in a comfortable position for long rides. Of course, I always make sure to have cages on my stirrups to prevent the shoe from slipping through during a bronc episode. Safety first!

JUST CHAPS

My “signature” look is mismatched lime green/hot pink socks, so I was really excited to find these colors in half chaps, too! They’re made of neoprene, so they hose off well after a hot ride, and are super light weight. They also fit over my ASICS and keep my legs protected from trees and brush.

FITS Tech Tread Breeches and Cloudmax Rain Coat

My favorite breeches at the moment are FITS tech tread. I was having a problem with knee patch breeches wearing out too quickly with all the riding I do, and full seat is too hot for Texas. But these are seamless, breathable, made of a moisture wicking fabric, and so far have held up admirably. I wore the same pair through the 1000 kilometer Mongol Derby this year, and was very impressed. I also took along their Cloudmax Rain Coat, which was a real winner battling the elements. Having the double zipper and riding flap made sure I stayed drier in the saddle than a traditional rain coat. (Disclosure: I’m currently sponsored by them!)

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/emma-sargent-nyu-student-staying-on-course2018-11-08T15:00:00-05:002018-11-26T20:31:23-05:00Emma Sargent - NYU Student Staying On CourseMolly McGinness
As a college sophomore, my day-to-day life revolves around balancing heavy course loads and Grand Prixs. During the week, I spend hours in the NYU library studying Computer Science and Chinese, before jetting off to Wellington or North Salem for the weekend.

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As a college sophomore, my day-to-day life revolves around balancing heavy course loads and Grand Prixs. During the week, I spend hours in the NYU library studying Computer Science and Chinese, before jetting off to Wellington or North Salem for the weekend. I show in the high amateur/owner divisions, and catch the occasional Grand Prix or two, and my four legged teammates-- Haribo, Beezie, Didgeridoo, and Winchester-- are there with me every step of the way.

My go-to show coat is my Winston. It checks off every box: stylish, comfortable, and flexible. Its classic, slimming designs keeps it old school, but is still new school enough to be thrown in the wash and hung to dry between long horse show days. Who could ask for more?

My favorite breeches to pair with the Winston are my GPA Skin Breeches. Although no longer in production, they still top the other brands I wear. They are thin and breathable, making the hottest Wellington days almost bearable.

Having as heavy a course load as I have, I often go days or weeks without getting my feet in the irons, which is where my Flex-On Stirrups come into play. They are a lifesaver, and help keep me in the tack when school keeps me from riding for a bit.

But of course, my horses have to be as excellently outfitted as I am, and that’s why I love my EquiFit ImpacTeq half pad. Whether I’m schooling 1.15m or turning and burning my way through the U25s, this half pad absorbs every ounce of impact. The pad is thin enough to not alter the fit of my saddles, and practically bulletproof. The ponies even like it too!

At the end of a long day, when my Winston has served me well, my GPAs have kept me comfortable, my Flex-ons have kept me seated, and my ImpacTeq pad has kept my horses’ backs happy, slipping my feet out of my Parlantis and into a pair of Superga sneakers is the ultimate relief. These stylish shoes from Fab Finds by Sarah are the perfect stable-to-street sneaks, and were the best purchase I made this past winter at WEF. On top of comfort, they are fully customizable, and an on-site artist makes you your very own unique pair of shoes.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/irene-michaels-i-on-the-horse2018-11-08T14:56:00-05:002018-11-26T20:30:27-05:00Irene Michaels - I on the HorseMolly McGinness
I ride because it is my passion. I have been riding since I was 11 and owned my 1st horse at age 16. They are regal, strong and elegant. I keep my horses at Wayne Equestrian Center retained by Dunham Riding Club in Wayne, Illinois, outside of downtown Chicago where I reside.

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I ride because it is my passion. I have been riding since I was 11 and owned my 1st horse at age 16. They are regal, strong and elegant. I keep my horses at Wayne Equestrian Center retained by Dunham Riding Club in Wayne, Illinois, outside of downtown Chicago where I reside. My horses are Thoroughbreds and Haflingers. Their names are Paris and On The Marc. I write about Beauty and Lifestyles on my webzine called, I On The Scene. It’s much more than a blog! I am also a contributor to various media outlets, including HuffPost and The Chicago Tribune.

I always ride in my favorite boots that are pretty old but I feel safe in them and they are very comfortable

A lucky stone I keep in my pocket.

A little flask in the other pocket for tradition, sometimes I have port in it.

My favorite stock pin and comfortable undergarments and my favorite lightweight blue and pink socks that come up to my knee. They are pretty and make me feel good.

I also have a monogrammed crop that I am very proud of, given to me by my best friend.

My goal is to own my own ranch someday with many horses and other animals. I am also involved in rescuing horses through a wonderful foundation called Horses Without Humans.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/bethany-lee-my-equestrian-style2018-11-08T14:42:00-05:002018-11-26T20:29:10-05:00Bethany Lee - My Equestrian StyleMolly McGinness
My name is Bethany Lee and I am a hunter/jumper trainer, exercise rider and equestrian fashion blogger based in Jacksonville, Florida. I have been riding for over 20 years and to this day my favorite place to be is in the saddle.

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My name is Bethany Lee and I am a hunter/jumper trainer, exercise rider and equestrian fashion blogger based in Jacksonville, Florida. I have been riding for over 20 years and to this day my favorite place to be is in the saddle. I always was obsessed with horses but never thought I would be riding for a career. After college, I moved to Los Angeles to work in the fashion industry. I loved it, but the office life just wasn't for me. After about 9 months I quit my desk job and found a job as an exercise rider and an up-down trainer in Calabasas, CA. I was in heaven even though I worked 60 hours a week and was hardly getting paid. That was when I truly understood the saying, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." My husband and I moved to Jacksonville about a year and a half ago for him to be able to flip more houses. I quickly found myself exercise riding for a barn in St. Augustine (Serenity Farm) and working as a home trainer for private clients out of Jacksonville and Cincinnati (Five Fillies Farm and New Hope Farm). About the same time that I moved to Florida, I started my equestrian fashion blog, My Equestrian Style as a creative outlet and a way to get some free riding clothes! Well this hobby turned into a passion and has grown more than I ever thought it would in it's first year. It's been an absolute blast and I can't wait to share where it's headed next! (myequestrianstyle.com / @myequestrianstyle )

1. Saddle. My CWD was new (to me) last year and I just have had the best time with it. It is a SE01 model and it is just as beautiful as it is comfortable. A wide tree was really important to me as I am always riding different horses. Comfort was always a plus too, because you start to feel it after 6 or 7 rides in a day! I got mine used from Redwood Tack -- (hyperlink redwoodtack.com ). (photo of my chin down holding saddle)

2. Tall Boots. I have been riding in DeNiro boots for over a year now and they are definitely my new favorite show boots. They hold up so well and are made with the nicest Italian leather... without the outrageous custom boot price. I would compare them to the quality of Tucci's and Fabbri's but they start at $799. I love that they are really sturdy leather but it only took me a couple rides to break them in! I worked with Anita via @denirobootcousa (hyperlink -- instagram.com/denirobootcousa) and had the most wonderful experience. She is knowledgable, kind and extremely helpful! (Me riding black horse)

3. Boot Socks. I just designed a pair of My Equestrian Style boot socks with Dreamers and Schemers and they have been my favorite to ride in! The colors are so fun and the sock is made to be so functional. Looking at them, the DS socks seem to be just a thin nylon sock, but in reality they are breathable through the leg and padded through the heel and toe- perfect for me who is prone to blisters in those areas! (You can snag a pair HERE -- (hyperlink: https://dreamersnschemers.com/collections/feature-socks/products/my-equestrian-style) (Flat lay photo of socks)

4. Leather Belt. I love my leather belts from Mane Jane. They are so simple, well made and go with everything. I find myself always picking a Mane Jane belt as a finishing touch to every outfit. To be honest, I own three MJ belts and I could definitely match them with every single outfit I own because they are reversible and you can select different buckle finishes! I have a black/brown, ivory/burgundy, and olive/navy. They're perfection, especially from those #viewfromthetop shots! I got mine from manejane.com. (View From the Top photo)

5. Show Coat. I'm definitely a little more rebellious when it comes to hunter show coats. I like to push the envelope with riding in unique colors. I think standing out is a great strategy if you are within USEF limits. I am obsessed with this grey MakeBe Cindy Show Coat I got from KAVAL. The color is stunning and it is one of the only grey jackets I've tried on that still looks amazing with tan breeches; the tan suede collar perfectly ties it all together! It would obviously look great with white breeches or in the jumper ring as well. I love to shop all my show clothes on kaval.com. (grey show coat back)

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/donna-barton-brothers-inside-track2018-11-08T14:30:00-05:002018-11-26T20:28:06-05:00Donna Barton Brothers - Inside TrackMolly McGinness
She always looks great, comfortable and camera ready; besides years of experience, I wanted to know if she had any tricks and secrets for staying balanced and getting the interview of the moment in the midst of so much action.

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I’m always looking for interesting riders to question about their riding habit and when I saw a recent article about Donna Barton Brothers I thought, of course, I totally want to know what she wears while riding!I whisked off an email to her via her website and hoped for the best.She responded with a polite decline, claiming she just wears “normal clothes” so it wouldn’t be interesting. Once I got over the excitement that she actually responded, I replied with a persistent “yeah but…” and a flurry of questions about the tack she uses and the gear she surely needs for doing her job.She always looks great, comfortable and camera ready; besides years of experience, I wanted to know if she had any tricks and secrets for staying balanced and getting the interview of the moment in the midst of so much action.

HRH: Yes, you are so right, you wear "normal" clothes and look great. I was thinking your "must haves" might be more about your tack, helmet, boots, etc. I'm always wondering, "why the goggles"? Have you ever needed to use them? DBB: Habit. I started wearing a helmet when I started galloping horses at the track back in 1984 and, yes, I needed them then because I would work horses in the morning (breezing them at something near race speed) and needed goggles. And then, of course, needed them riding races. Do I need them for what I do on tv? Absolutely not. Would I feel naked without them? Absolutely.

HRH: You are in a western saddle, is that dependent on the horse or is it yours and can carry all that you might need? DBB: Generally speaking I am riding someone’s “pony horse”, the term we use at the track for saddle horses that accompany the Thoroughbreds to and from the track in the morning and to the starting gate in the afternoon. Most of these saddle horses are ridden in a western saddle and when I borrow the horse the saddle comes with them. I don’t even own a riding saddle anymore.

HRH: You have a bag hanging on the saddle, same bag every time?, is it for emergency personal equipment or your audio visual equipment? DBB: My “saddle bag” is a make-shift crossbody bag that I’ve fashioned into a saddle bag. When I’m on a horse I have a microphone, a racing program, our show’s production format, usually a couple of other relevant notes, a pen and, of course, peppermints for my horse! Sometimes I even have my phone with me. Since I can’t hold on to all of these things and, simultaneously, ride my horse, I needed a saddle bag.

HRH: You have a camera mounted to your helmet, typical go-pro or NBC Sports issued camera and does it create an unbalanced situation with the helmet? DBB: This is NBC’s “lipstick cam” and comes with a full motor/battery pack. Anytime I’m wearing the helmet cam I’ll also be wearing a “fanny pack” with a rather fat cable that runs from the camera to the motor in the fanny pack. I never even notice the camera as it is very lightweight but the motor in the bag can run very hot and on hot days is very noticeable.

HRH: Is there any other special equipment you rely on? DBB: Yes, I sew button into the insides of my pant’s legs—one at the inside seam and one at the outside seam at the very bottom of my pants. I had a special strap made, about 6” long, that has a button hole on each end. I use this “equipment” to keep my pants legs down while riding. Nothing more uncomfortable (or sloppy looking!) than having a pant’s leg half way up your leg while riding.

HRH: Any other special adjustments you make while on horseback to conduct the on track interviews? DBB: Yes, I have to ride right handed when interviewing. Like most riders, I was taught to ride left handed (presumably from the working horse days when a farm hand needed his/her right hand free to do the farm work) so I have to make a conscious effort to get the microphone into my left hand and the reins in my right hand before interviewing (the rider is almost always on my left side). One time I rode up next to the rider and asked a question before realizing, as I went to extend the microphone to the rider for his answer, that the microphone was in my right hand. My transition was just a bit awkward.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/phoebe-weseley-river-run-farm2018-11-08T14:19:00-05:002018-11-26T20:27:31-05:00Phoebe Weseley - River Run FarmMolly McGinness
When I was a teenager my parents were in upstate NY and saw a skinny neglected Arabian and bought him, even though they knew nothing about horses! Eventually, after many falls, everyone in my family gave up on riding except for me!

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My name is Phoebe Weseley and I own River Run Farm LLC. I am an amateur rider who has owned my own farm for over 20 years. I grew up in Manhattan as the daughter of two doctors. When I was a teenager my parents were in upstate NY and saw a skinny neglected Arabian and bought him, even though they knew nothing about horses! Eventually, after many falls, everyone in my family gave up on riding except for me! I was not born with the talent of a Tori Colvin or a Lillie Keenan but I do work hard. I have had more success in the show ring than I ever dreamed I would; in addition to hard work, I have the support of my husband and am a perennial student of the sport! I enjoy bringing along young horses and ponies as well as helping my daughter succeed on her adult jumper. For more information about RRF please see RRFhorseheaven.com.

My yoga mat- I will be 58 years old soon and I have a bad back. I do vinyasa yoga on my jade yoga mat religiously every morning. It keeps my broken body in working order and my type A personality under control!

Fudgie keeps me entertained on a daily basis. Go to the RRF website to watch his exploits!

I love my new Meyer saddle and my horses do too! Their backs have never felt better!

My ankle stretcher is an integral part of my riding warm up. My legs are really short so every fraction of an inch counts!

Did I mention my legs are very short??!!

Spurs plus dressage whips equals horse in front of my leg!

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/lauren-sprieser-usdf-medalist2018-11-08T14:13:00-05:002018-11-26T20:26:02-05:00Lauren Sprieser - USDF MedalistMolly McGinness
My days are long, and in climates that run to the extremes, with my winters in Wellington and my summers in northern Virginia. Heat and humidity are a constant, and I accumulate a lot of saddle time. I’m also a professional rider and trainer, so looking good in spite of it all is important - I want to look polished and presentable to my customers, even when it’s 104* with 100% humidity and theirs is the sixth horse of my morning.

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My days are long, and in climates that run to the extremes, with my winters in Wellington and my summers in northern Virginia. Heat and humidity are a constant, and I accumulate a lot of saddle time. I’m also a professional rider and trainer, so looking good in spite of it all is important - I want to look polished and presentable to my customers, even when it’s 104* with 100% humidity and theirs is the sixth horse of my morning.

I wear a lot of technical fabrics, and I believe there are One Shirt Days, Two Shirt Days, and the occasional Three Shirt Day. Beyond that, here’s what’s in my kit.

Romfh Sarafina full seat breeches. They’re made of a material with just the right amount of stretch - enough to move with me, not to show off every flaw on my 5’10” and Nordic body. And they always come in a few fun seasonal colors, just enough to be a little different.

Roeckl Madrid gloves. I have giant hands, so I can’t wear any of the cute, fun, feminine gloves. I ride in a few Roeckl models but the Madrid is my favorite, because it’s got a more breathable upper layer, with Roeckl’s tough-as-nails grippy palm, and still has a few fun decorative details. If I can make a pair of gloves last more than a year, it’s one helluva glove, and I can make the Roeckl gloves last (though I do have several pairs in rotation a day, because putting on wet gloves is, like, such a major ew.)

Charles Owen AYR8 or SP8. The SP8 is new, and it’s sized just a little differently than the AYR8, which has been my ol’ standby for years. And as such I ordered the wrong size SP8 and it has to go back. Doh! But my two rides in it were AWESOME - it has a cool channel in the middle of the head that really does make an airflow difference, and its wider visor is good for us Melanomas Waiting To Happen that need more protection from the sun. I’ve also got a flotilla of AYR8s in a few colors, but all with the leather-like exteriors. They wear like iron, and hold up beautifully to Florida’s windy dusty outdoor conditions. And they’re so comfortable I can live in them all day; I often do!

Swanky Saddle logo plates. Every black dressage saddle looks like every other black dressage saddle. But I’ve added gorgeous plates of my cool farm logo to the back of my saddles, and it’s just enough detail to stand out, without adding garish snakeskin or crystals to my bum. Swanky also carries a whole slew of cool belts and beautiful jewelry.

Funky socks. I know we DQs aren’t supposed to be silly and raucous, but I am, and there it is. I always have a funky pair of tall socks on. It lets me have just a smidge of personal expression, even under boring ol’ black boots and boring ol’ white breeches.

Bonus 6th item: the Panache underwire sports bra. I’m a big, strong 36D, and when I’m not riding I’m a distance runner and gym rat. To the bigger busted ladies of the world: you’re welcome.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/holly-bachor2018-11-08T14:04:00-05:002018-11-26T20:24:50-05:00Holly BachorMolly McGinness
I would currently consider myself an independent contractor, working various jobs at horse shows across the country (primarily on the East Coast), but as far West as Des Moines, Iowa. I used to work full time for HITS, Inc. and that is where my skill set developed, in working all the different areas of Horse Show Production.

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I would currently consider myself an independent contractor, working various jobs at horse shows across the country (primarily on the East Coast), but as far West as Des Moines, Iowa. I used to work full time for HITS, Inc. and that is where my skill set developed, in working all the different areas of Horse Show Production. I do everything from Announce, to In-Gate, Awards, and Show Secretary, but it is my time away from working that I enjoy the most, because I am “working” (most days even harder than I would at my paid job) hand in hand with my partner David Jennings, and his business Full Circle Farm. I am fortunate to be involved in the hands on side of the industry as well, which is what I truly enjoy, because I am fulfilling my passion and getting to do so on a daily basis with my best friend! I contribute in all aspects of his show barn, with everything from grooming, managing the barn and horses, shipping and hauling campers from one show to the next, paperwork, billing, and best of all riding!! I currently have a young six year old mare of my own, which I purchased as a three year old. She has been my project and I primarily show in the jumpers with her, and sometimes I get the opportunity to show other horses that come into the barn.

On a daily basis, one item that I can’t go without when Im riding are my Maui Jim Sunglasses, specifically their “Sugar Beach, Polarized Rimless Sunglasses”. I have blue eyes that are very sensitive to the sun, and being outside all day in the elements irritates them, to the point where it is painful. A lot of the shows and facilities we attend also have that bright, very light colored sand footing, and the Sun just reflects off of that when I'm riding or setting jumps, making it difficult for my eyes. These particular Maui Jim sunglasses are so light weight, I can’t even feel them on my face, and the straight sides on them make it so easy to wear with a hairnet, because they just slide right into the net’s holes and they never move on my face. I don’t always wear them when I go into the show ring, and am jumping, but if it is not raining outside, you will always see me in my sunglasses.

My favorite Breeches are made by a Canadian company called Struck Apparel. I wear these on a daily basis as well; colored when I am not showing, and Beige on the days I go in the show ring. They have some great color combinations, with little pops of color to contrast the solid color of the Breech themselves. It makes it so much fun to color-coordinate my tops and belts, and even my boots (as I have black and brown tall boots). I always like to be stylish and functional, and well put together, and these breeches add to the overall look! The best part is that even though they are extremely functional, with a knee grip on the inside, the material they use is very comfortable to wear all day long. Its thin, breathable, and durable, so it feels like you’re in stretchy leggings! Not to mention, David is sponsored by this company, so I am partial, but I would promote this brand any day of the week!

When talking about riding Breeches, many of the brands these days, including Struck, have wide belt loops, which I love, and I have a favorite belt that goes with almost anything I’m wearing. I try to stay away from the equestrian trends, and brands when it comes to these types of accessories, because it is a way for me to have my own style and create my own look, with fashionable pieces that I normally find at a TJ Maxx or Banana Republic (My two favorite stores to shop in)! I am a bargain shopper by nature, so whenever I find an item at a great price, I get it because you never know when it may go great with a riding outfit. I found a Linea Pelle, very wide, brown leather belt at a TJ Maxx about five years ago, and it has been my favorite belt ever since. It happens to have a small gold snaffle bit on it as decoration, and its made from great quality leather. It was on sale for under $50 and I don’t think I would ever be able to replace it! I also found it in Black at another TJ Maxx in an entirely different state!

A piece of equipment that I use on my horse on a daily basis, both in and out of the show ring, is a “Zandona, Chafe Guard”, in which its main function is to prevent spur marks on the horse. My horse has very fine hair, and can easily get irritated skin with any type of friction. Because she is still green, she can also be a bit of a ‘leg-ride’ and is prone to getting rubs where my boot heels or spurs are on her. Zandona released this item, and the quality is great. The material is much thicker than any other brands I’ve used in the past, so I know it will last a long time, and I love having the piece of mind knowing that I won’t irritate my horse’s skin when I am riding her with this piece of equipment.

An item that I always have with me in the show ring, is my Angel Whip. I rarely have to use it in the show ring, but I am prepared when I walk in the ring, because it is an outside aid that I have with me, just incase I need it. What I love most about it, is that I custom designed it, and again it is a way for me to differentiate my style. Many riders, including David have superstitions about their ‘lucky whip’ in the show ring, and won’t use anything other than that! I am a little bit the same way, just because this whip is a reflection of me, it’s functional, and I have my name and initials stamped on the end of it!

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/ali-wolff-professional-show-jumper2018-11-08T13:58:00-05:002018-11-26T20:23:42-05:00Ali Wolff - Professional Show JumperMolly McGinness
My name is Ali Wolff, I am a professional show jumper based out of Columbus, Ohio and Wellington, Florida. Ever since I sat on a horse at a young age, I was hooked and haven’t looked back!

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My name is Ali Wolff, I am a professional show jumper based out of Columbus, Ohio and Wellington, Florida. Ever since I sat on a horse at a young age, I was hooked and haven’t looked back! We have many horses in work right now ranging from young jumpers to client horses, but my current international string includes Casall, Quirie 2 and Exotik Sitte. You can find more about our team by following us on instagram @aliwolffllc or on Facebook. For additional information you can refer to our website at www.aliwolffllc.com

My Samshield is definitely one of my favorite riding tools. Not only for its safety, but also its comfort and style.

I recently switched over to Fabbri boots and immediately fell in love with their fit and look. I can’t tell you how many boots I have worn holes through after a short time, and so far they have lived up to the rest of multiple rides a day.

Another new but welcoming addition to my list of favorites are my new stirrups. I grew up with a very traditional and classic riding style so it took me a while to try new stirrups, but these are a subtle addition with a shock absorber that feel better on my feet and knees.

This is one of my favorite items in my ring bag and very reliable! Apply to the inside of your boot and this no slip grip glue is perfect for those horses that try and jump you loose, and they leave no mess on your saddle or boots like the sticky spray. What’s better is that you can find them in almost any tack store for a couple of bucks.

My last item on my list are my sunglasses. I have tried all types of sunglasses to ride in to protect my eyes but the only sunglasses that stay on and don’t slip down my nose happens to be this cheap pair we picked up at a National soccer game in Columbus. Not only do I love the way they fit, but I also love my city so this turned out to be a great purchase!

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/andrea-wise-horse-glam2018-11-08T11:02:00-05:002018-11-26T20:22:31-05:00Andrea Wise - Horse GlamMolly McGinness
Some knew me and my sassy mare, Chloe, through my ownership of Pony Glam. Now I am reaching even more equestrians through my equestrian life style blog Horse Glam, where I try to connect readers with new brand favorites through humorous yet honest reviews (sometimes done by Chloe herself) and professional pictures.

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Some knew me and my sassy mare, Chloe, through my ownership of Pony Glam. Now I am reaching even more equestrians through my equestrian life style blog Horse Glam, where I try to connect readers with new brand favorites through humorous yet honest reviews (sometimes done by Chloe herself) and professional pictures. When I am not trying to keep Chloe picture ready, I am wrangling my two small kids, Tanner (age 4) and Logan (age 2) or doing boringattorney related things. My husband and I live in Charlotte, NC. Photography Credits to Shannen Smyth Photography

Ponyglam

I might be biased, but I love using Pony Glam’s Hoof Hi-Lites! If you like healthy hooves and pretty things then a colored hoof dressing is a no brainer! Posh Purple was the first color I made, so I will always be partial to it, but nothing beats the sparkle of Sassy Silver on a sunny day!

LeFash Clothing

I love LeFash Clothing because it fits me perfectly and is always ahead of the trends. It makes me want to start showing more just so I can have an excuse to buy their polos and show shirts. I love my black breeches with the vintage tan knee patches. They seamlessly transition from stable to street, just like their trademarked saying promises.

Dreamers & Schemers Socks

Dreamers & Schemers are the only socks I wear. They don’t slouch, they aren’t too thick or too thin, and they have a bit extra padding on the soles/heel of your foot. More importantly, they make me smile. I like that you can be dressed in your conservative hunter show apparel and be wearing socks with unicorns floating on a donut raft and no one has any idea. You can get a discount if you use the code "Andrea" at checkout!

Soless Visor

I am in the sun/rain/wind/cold year round and my face needs all the breaks it can get from the harsh weather. When I am not wearing a ball cap or sun hat, I am wearing my helmet with the Soless visor. Compared to previous helmet visors, it is doing the best job of staying attached to my helmet while I jump Chloe. It also is transparent, giving me a better and unrestricted view.

Mountain Horse Jacket.

This isn't a year round riding item but it is one that is probably my favorite of all ever purchased. I use it every Winter or when it is remotely cold. It never fails to keep me warm. It has side zippers to make riding easier, easily fitting over the saddle and allowing full range of motion. It has a million zippered pockets so I do not lose my winter gloves, horse treats, keys, or cell phone. The hood has faux fur and is huge and deep - covering my head (and more) completely. It also washes super easy. I cannot imagine not having this jacket.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/gretchen-pelham-the-naked-foxhunter2018-11-08T10:55:00-05:002018-11-26T20:06:47-05:00Gretchen Pelham - The Naked FoxhunterMolly McGinness
When Molly asked me to write a bit for her blog about my hunting kit, or what I like to wear and use when I ride, we shared a laugh.Laughed because I’m known, whether for better or worse, as The Naked Foxhunter.

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When Molly asked me to write a bit for her blog about my hunting kit, or what I like to wear and use when I ride, we shared a laugh.Laughed because I’m known, whether for better or worse, as The Naked Foxhunter.I wish I could blame someone else for saddling me with such a dignified nom-de plum, but, alas, I did it to myself when I titled the first article I had published “The Naked Foxhunter’s Wild Nevada Adventure”.I flew out west to ride in a ghost town in the middle of no where Nevada, and the airlines lost my luggage.So, I did the trip wearing other people’s underwear, breeches, helmet, etc.

I am born and raised in Tennessee, and I live in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.I’m used to riding up steep ridges in thick covert (i.e. woods), picking my way through rocks and clay mud.I have been foxhunting for many seasons and was a Master (MFH) of the local foxhunt for about 7 years.I’ve had many mounts, but I love the handy, large ponies.In the foxhunting field, pretty is as pretty does.And the breed doesn’t matter as long as they can do the job.

My main hunt horse is an Amish bred large pony that we think is a Morgan Standardbred cross.Phillip had only pulled a cart until he was excommunicated from the Amish faith at age 6.He has done every job in the hunt field.He jumps anything, whips-in, leads groups over jumps and will begrudgingly go in the middle of the Hunt Field.Although, he suffers through being behind a bunch of horses with much whining and not-very-Amish-like cussing.

I’ve ridden all over the country, but this past spring I went with a group of friends to foxhunt our way across the country.We traveled 10,000 miles in 30 days with about 20 horses between the 12 of us.We rode on the Kansas Prairie, which was described as looking like “if the moon grew grass”.Then we rode in the hot desert of New Mexico (we actually parked right where the filmed the TV series Breaking Bad).The most fun ride was riding up and down the extinct volcanos in between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon in Arizona.From there we drove to California where we could see the Pacific Ocean and rode in impossibly beautiful country that looked like it was faked inside photoshop.

We then turned back east and rode in the high Sierra Mountains outside of Reno, which had the best footing (eroded granite) of all the places we rode.We rode in the rolling sand hills of central Nebraska, which I thought was an odd name since I never saw any sand there.We turned back west to ride in the front range of the Rockies south of Denver, which had signs warning about the bubonic plague infesting the fleas of the entire area.Nice.Finally, we went north to ride in eastern Montana on the edge of the bad lands with its eroded soil and dramatic cliffs and ravines.

I took a year to plan for the trip, and I spent a long time planning out what I should bring. Foxhunts have a particular dress code, even the number and type of buttons on the coats are dictated.So, I had to bring clothes that were not only correct but also for the varying weather I was going to encounter. I brought three hunt coats of different thickness on the trip.The one I most loved was a very thick, heavy weigh wool melton that is only comfortable if it’s as cold as Antarctica or Nebraska in April.

All of my coats are specially tailored since I carry a large, 300mm zoom lens camera with me on every hunt I ride on. I shove the camera down the front of my coat for safety when I’m not taking photos. My coats are all tailored across the chest to fit the large camera, dubbed Dolly Parton since it improves my profile greatly. Taking the camera in with the coat to the tailor raises some eyes, let me tell you. I have to be able to get the camera out of my coat, take the photo, and shove it back down my coat all with one hand (the other hand being full of the reins). I’ve jumped over 4 feet and crashed several times with the camera, but it has only come out of the coat once to clock my chin when I had an epic crash that ended up shredding coat into tatters. So usually, it’s pretty safe inside the coat.

In the hunt field you wear stock ties, so I had several white ties with me.I like to use the men’s length of 6 foot for ties because I suck at tying the proper knot.The extra fabric lets me hide the fact that my knot is terribly done.Shh – don’t tell anyone.

I would say that the only part of my hunting kit that I am really persnickety about are my gloves.I hate the usual riding-style gloves that fit tight over the wrist and have super thin leather.I need to be able to work a glove on or off with my teeth so I can work the camera or my flask.Not only do I ride with double reins, but with the hunt whip and 4-foot thong that are also in my hands I just don’t have the extra digits to devote to taking off a glove.I want something thick for when I have to hold onto barbwire while I cut it off my horse’s shoe and a good wind break for those crazy days when the wind blows a hurricane.My favorite are the goat leather gloves that you can buy at a hardware store.

Tack wise I always ride with a neck strap in addition to my breast plate because when you gallop through prairie dog holes, and the occasional pony-swallowing badger hole, you need to hold on with both hands.I put two fingers of one hand through the neck strap and two fingers of the other hand on the breastplate to cover myself if I start to tip off on either side. I also grab the neck strap when I climb steep ridges to save my back and when over a particularly scary jump that I don’t want to get launched over sans pony.

Any item in my hunting kit must be dress-code correct and practical for those long hours in the saddle while in every kind of weather.And if it gives me a profile reminiscent of Dolly Parton, I won’t complain!

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/camilla-mortensen-queen-of-cairo2018-11-08T10:47:00-05:002018-11-26T20:21:28-05:00Camilla Mortensen - Queen of CairoMolly McGinness
I’m a newspaper editor at Eugene Weekly, an alt news weekly, and three-day eventer in Oregon with a little sassy Irish sport horse mare named Queen of Cairo, whom I blog about for the Chronicle of the Horse.

Cairo is 15’1” hands worth of big-jumping, cross-country loving, dressage-hating hotness, and I adore her. We have been competing at prelim — higher than I had ever intended to go cross-country, but Cairo took me there. She’s my heart horse and I pour my love and money into her. I live in an old travel trailer to keep rent down (OK, it’s an old Airstream so it’s pretty cool) and teach writing classes and freelance write in addition to my newspaper job to afford my passion. Some people spend money on tropical vacations. I prefer my pretty pony money pit!

Since I spend all my money on my horses, and newspapers aren’t a big money industry, I’m budget minded. Pretty much everything nice I own is on sale or used, and pretty much everything nice I own is horse oriented! I’m the queen of the sale and stalking Tack of the Day and Ebay.

I’m also a helmet freak, so you won’t see me on a horse without one. My go-to is the Charles Owen JR8, which looks fairly fancy but you can find on sale for $140-$160. A friend recently pointed out to me that you can make it “fancy” by adding a narrow headband in the color of your choice and wrap it around the helmet above the brim for cross country color. https://www.charlesowen.com/us/products/jr8

My newest show splurge is Chubby Cov stock ties. I have finally reached a point where I am capable of tying my stock tie before I ride without dissolving into frustrated tears. I’ve graduated past the pre-tied Velcro and now have an old-fashioned tie-it-yourself model with light blue and silver stars scattered on a white background to go with my light blue coat for show jumping and another with scatted silvery and grey polka dots for dressage. They are both old fashioned and funky fun. http://chubbycov.com/

Good luck socks! I’m absolutely positive that my blue socks with the pink flying pigs on them are the secret to riding success. I love funky weird socks (hidden beneath my boots) and I theme them to whatever phase I’m riding that day. Tapatio hot sauce for show jumping, a unicorn shooting a rainbow out of its butt for dressage. The most common brand I get is Sock it to Me. It’s ironic since I really am not a shoe person — I wear riding boots and clogs and that’s it — but I love fun socks. https://www.sockittome.com/knee-high-socks/rainbows-blast.html

My Voltaire Lexington monoflap saddle makes all the difference in my jumping. I kept feeling left behind the motion in my last saddle that I’d owned and ridden in for a decade that wasn’t quite right for Cairo. Then I got super lucky when we discovered a friend’s Voltaire saddle fit my little mare perfectly so I bought it used. The importance of the right saddle hit home for me when I was riding in a clinic some years ago and watching a kid in it just have a terrible ride. The clinician pulled the kid off, found a different saddle for her to use that had better balance and support, and suddenly she could jump. Your saddle has to fit both you and your horse, and that doesn’t have to be expensive.

And since it really is all about Cairo, the right bridle makes life better for everyone. Cairo goes in a Micklem bridle. She’s a sensitive New Age girl and a little goes a long way. There are fancier ergonomic bridles out there these days, but the Micklem stopped Cairo’s head tossing for about $150. And despite her hotness, she’s a delicate flower and does best with minimal pressure, which the Micklem is all about. http://www.williammicklem.com/multibridle-competition.html

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/amanda-hood-boy-o-boy-bridleworks2018-11-08T10:40:00-05:002018-11-26T20:20:30-05:00Amanda Hood - Boy-O-Boy BridleworksMolly McGinness
I’d always loved the colorful ribbon browbands that I saw on Irish horses and ponies at shows, events, and stable yards, but I never knew where to get them. So, back in the States (now in the Virginia Hunt Country), I started making them for my own jumpers.

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I was born and raised in New York City, I’ve loved horses and ridden all my life. When I was in graduate school, my dad died and my mom took a diplomatic posting in Dublin, Ireland. As usual, whenever I went to visit I tried to spend as much time as I could around horses – foxhunting, galloping polo ponies, and riding friends’ show jumpers. I’d always loved the colorful ribbon browbands that I saw on Irish horses and ponies at shows, events, and stable yards, but I never knew where to get them. So, back in the States (now in the Virginia Hunt Country), I started making them for my own jumpers.

Seeing them on my horses at shows, people kept stopping me to say, “I’ve always loved those old ribbon browbands. Where’d you get them?” I didn’t know so I started making them for their horses too. One Christmas, I made matching belts for friends and suddenly started getting requests from their friends and eventually from stores too.

Around that time I found out that I have Lyme disease. Until then I’d been a working writer and historian. In the months before I was diagnosed, aside from the crippling fatigue and joint pain, I started having trouble remembering words, which made it more and more difficult to write – and really frightening. I’m the kind of person who’s always making something (crocheting, needlepointing, sewing, goldsmithing). I’d always been curious about learning to work with leather and make and repair tack, especially since more and more people had been asking me to make ribbon browbands and belts for them. I took a break from writing while I was recovering and my husband encouraged me to go to England to do learn bridle making from a master saddler. Funnily enough, having Lyme gave me the opportunity to go ahead and do it. With my new skills, I found myself with a small business that started to take off.

If the old horseman’s proverb is true that “Every rider gets one great horse” then tiny, smart Boy-O-Boy (A.K.A. “Bob”) was my great horse. After I retired him as my own show horse, Bob spent a few leisurely years teaching my daughter how to ride and taking very good care of her. Now he's retired and living with his own pony, Izzy, on the same farm in Virginia with my current amateur-owner jumper, Dealbreaker (A.K.A. “Zack”).

Each of the main Boy-O-Boy Bridleworks weave patterns (like many of the color combinations) is named for the first horse to wear it. Boy-O-Boy was the first horse I made a ribbon browband for; because he started it all, I named the company after him.

Boy-O-Boy Bridleworks Ribbon Browbands and Belts

All the horses I’ve had since Bob have worn the browbands I’ve made for them, both on their show and schooling bridles. A lot of customers have told me their Boy-O-Boy browbands have been lucky for them in competition so they never show without them. I’m biased, of course -- but I’m also superstitious so I never show my horses without one of my browbands and without wearing one of my belts. www.boyoboybridleworks.com

Filli Fabbri Pro Dress Boots

Last time I needed a new pair of boots I decided I wanted a something a little different so I got a pair of Fabbri Pro dress boots – special-ordered in navy! I thought that to get a proper fit I’d probably need to place a custom order, but it turned out that one of Fabbri’s off-the-rack sizes fit perfectly. The strip of elasticized eco-leather that runs along the zipper in the back is super-durable and makes for a great fit -- even if you wear extra socks in cold weather. They’ve been the most comfortable pair of boots I’ve ever broken in. I ordered mine through Somerset Equestrian Trading’s mobile unit; Susan did a fantastic job of making sure I got the perfect fit. www.somersetequestriantrading.com

Angel Whips

I don’t always ride with a crop, but when I do I always use one of Angel’s whips. Angel Gonzalez has been a fixture at racetracks and horse shows across the US for decades. (He also makes and sells great poultice, A&J’s Ice). A former jockey, he learned and honed the craft of whip making in the course of his many years on the track. They’re superbly weighted and balanced, and beautifully made. They can be fully customized with your choice of grip, length, flexibility and colors. Angel likes to say that he “adds good juju” to every one. His whips can even be monogrammed (which I’d recommend; they’re so nice they often get stolen). I’ve guarded mine jealously for years now and they still look like new. https://www.facebook.com/Angel-Whips-1600911336839676/

Katharine Page Sandals

With her love of fine bridlework (and shoes!), Katharine Page is a girl after my own heart. I have a few pairs of Katharine’s beautiful sandals that I wear all summer long after coming back from the barn. I also love Katharine’s simple, chic flats for fall and winter. They’re beautifully designed, beautifully made, and really comfortable. www.shop.katharinepage.co

Silberschweif Horsehair Jewelry

Our horses are really important to us. We trust them with our lives not only every time we get on their backs, and form bonds with them that last a lifetime. Horsehair jewelry lets you bring something of them back from the barn with you. I looked for a long time before I found Silberschweif. Karin Erichsen’s designs have a simplicity and versatility that really appealed to me. Her website makes the ordering process comparatively easy with clear instructions in English (and German!) on how to collect and prepare the hair from horse’s tail, how much you’ll need, how long it should be, etc. I love having a bit of Zack and Bob with me wherever I go. www.silber-schweif.de

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/ashley-hall-equestrienne-decor2018-11-08T10:31:00-05:002018-11-26T20:19:24-05:00Ashley Hall - Equestrienne DecorMolly McGinness
My deep love and appreciation for the Equestrian life began before I can remember. Growing up on a farm on Maryland’s Eastern Shore gave me an understanding of horses, as I learned firsthand from my mother, who was a professional Equestrienne.

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My name is Ashley Hall and I live in beautiful Central Florida with my husband Nick, and three boys (Layton 10, Jude 7, and Quinn 3). After practicing residential Interior Design for many years I opened my own company this year, Equestrienne Decor. I ride Cowboy, an 18 year old Paint who belongs to my friend Aly, and our favorite thing to do is trail ride. Cowboy is the kind of horse that I can put my children on bareback, trail ride through the most wild places, and compete in a Hunter Pace with the best of them. He is truly a one in a million horse and I love him to pieces!!

My deep love and appreciation for the Equestrian life began before I can remember. Growing up on a farm on Maryland’s Eastern Shore gave me an understanding of horses, as I learned firsthand from my mother, who was a professional Equestrienne. Over the course of a lifetime being surrounded by horses, traveling, and providing professional Interior Design, I have been able to curate my personal sense of style and design. In its essence, Equestrienne Décor represents a lifestyle influenced by all things equestrian, and a belief that personal style can be easily enriched with design elements that are approachable, elegant, and luxurious.

Charles Owen GR8 Helmet. I adore the comfort of this helmet and I never ride without it. The company is one I admire and respect and I feel comfortable and safe wearing it. I love the classic yet sporty lines of the GR8.

Tech Stirrups. I have only been using my new stirrups for a month, but I don't think I will ever find a pair that is better. It was love at first ride! I like the safety feature, grippy wide base, and ergonomic design. Mine are the black on black Venice style.

Ariat Tall Boots. These boots are truly the best bang for your buck. Mine are Cognac and I am so in love with the look and feel of them. The fit is so good without being custom, and the cognac color is so handsome.

Black Jak Refinery Browband. We call it Cowboy's "Party Bridle" for good reason! The navy color of the beads really brings out his beautiful blue eyes. I love this company and all of the selections they offer. For me, a personalized browband is the finishing touch.

Tipperary Eventer Vest. I always wear this vest when I ride, it is lightweight and so comfortable, you honestly forget you have it on. I highly recommend this great piece of equipment!

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/liza-horan-baystreet-equestrian2018-11-08T10:24:00-05:002018-11-26T20:17:30-05:00Liza Horan - Baystreet EquestrianMolly McGinness
I grew up in the Bay Area with my non horsey family, but I was born horse obsessed😂 I graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga and then traveled east to have a go at riding at the top of the Eventing sport. I’m back on the west coast training horses and riders out of the incredible Ironwood Ranch.

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I grew up in the Bay Area with my non horsey family, but I was born horse obsessed😂 I graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga and then traveled east to have a go at riding at the top of the Eventing sport. I’m back on the west coast training horses and riders out of the incredible Ironwood Ranch, after nearly 20 years east experiencing all of the ups and downs that go along with pursuing a career in horse sport. I’m quite particular about my favorite things. It’s possible I have more than 5!

I always jump in Devoucoux and ride Dressage in Custom Saddles.

For both schooling and competition, Pikeur are my breeches of choice!

I am obsessed with my Animo show coat and Equiline Tailcoat

My horses have looked and felt their best for over 15 years using Horsetech products.

I love my helmet by Samshield

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/rebecca-brown-and-dassett-choice2018-11-08T10:08:00-05:002018-11-26T20:18:25-05:00Rebecca Brown and Dassett ChoiceMolly McGinness
I met Junior about 5 years ago in England and it was love at first sight. Shortly thereafter he arrived in Texas and we have been traveling the US trying to accomplish our goals ever since.

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I met Junior about 5 years ago in England and it was love at first sight. Shortly thereafter he arrived in Texas and we have been traveling the US trying to accomplish our goals ever since. Junior is a wild man under tack but the kindest animal ever in the barn; he knows when it’s “Go Time” and he loves his job. I run my own training business in Dallas, TX, called RB Riding, and have the nicest group of clients who I help on a daily basis. Since I practically live at the barn, I have a lot of equipment I have grown to love but here are a few of my favorite things:

My Cross Country Helmet-

My colors have always been pink and blue. At one point, when I was a teenager and starting to think I was too cool for pink, I tried to change it but my mom wouldn’t let me. She said that it helps her see me and know I’m safe when I’m on course. Now the pink stars are even integrated in my business logo.

My Maui Jim Sunglasses-

I cannot live without these! I have light blue eyes and I’m prone to headaches, which are exacerbated by the customary long days in the sun. I wear the Hana Bay and they are so light; I don’t even notice them.

My Kask Helmet-

It took me a year to convince myself to spend the money on my Kask Starlady Helmet and now I’m kicking myself for now buying it sooner! It makes such a huge difference in the heat and it fits my head better than any Helmet. Plus it’s nice not to look like you just took a shower after one ride!

My Equiline Breeches-

My friend suggested I try these and when I found a pair half off I jumped on it. They are so comfortable, I love the grippy waist so they stay in place, and people keep telling me I look like I’ve lost weight- so obviously they have to make this list! :)

My Deniro Boots-

As a professional, it’s hard to find pretty boots that I can comfortably wear all day AND last longer than a year. These tick all those boxes and more so I keep buying them! Plus the brown boots match my helmet and jacket so it was a no brainer!

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/ann-turnicky-horse-country-chic2018-11-07T22:13:00-05:002018-11-26T20:16:23-05:00Ann Turnicky - Horse Country ChicMolly McGinness
I live in the Virginia hunt country and my horses live here with me. It’s a lot of work keeping them here but I wouldn’t have it any other way. “Madison” is my newest addition which is a big deal for me as I keep my horses forever. My others are Sega who is 24 and retired and Alfie who is 17 and starting to slow down, so Madda is the youngster at only 7.

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I live in the Virginia hunt country and my horses live here with me. It’s a lot of work keeping them here but I wouldn’t have it any other way. “Madison” is my newest addition which is a big deal for me as I keep my horses forever. My others are Sega who is 24 and retired and Alfie who is 17 and starting to slow down, so Madda is the youngster at only 7. I bought her last year after a long search and we started showing this year in the 3 foot Adult Hunters. We have ventured a few times to the big shows and will eventually get there – she’s so smart and loves her job – she improves every time out. My Blog Horse Country Chic is for riders and non-riders alike and we delve into the lifestyle of the Virginia Horse Country. Riding clothes and riding fashion are topics from time-to-time and I often find riding related clothing that non-riders can wear and enjoy. But as a competitive hunter rider, I love to stay up on the trends but tend to be a creature of habit and rely on the “classics”.

Steubben Maxi-Grip Stirrups

I found these stirrups on Amazon and absolutely love them. They have a slight angle to them and I have foot problems so the angle helps me a lot. They are not too heavy or too light (somewhere in between) and are classic enough for the Virginia hunters. I don’t see too many people using these so this is a well-kept secret. I would not use anything else and I ride in them every day.

Ariat Clothing

I’m such of fan of Ariat. I wear their boots to show in (Monaco’s), their breeches, and I adore their casual clothing from their Sun Shirts to their Down Vests. The quality and fit are perfect, the price point is great and the style – well, let’s say my closet is full of Ariat. I wear this stuff almost every day.

Tucci Marilyn Paddock Boots

I discovered Tucci a few years ago. Their boots are so Italian! Beautiful design, leather, comfortable and long-wearing but of course, expensive (but worth it). These are almost too beautiful to ride in or wear but you can literally wear them all day long. Comfort is key too! They come in black and brown and I’d love to own a pair of black ones one day. They make matching half chaps that go with these but I have not splurged on those quite yet.

Needlepoint Belts

I have an entire collection of these stitched through the years, some horsey, some not, but I wear one of these when I horse show and often when I ride. You can’t have too many of these and no one will have one exactly like yours. Every equestrian needs a needlepoint belt!

String Gloves

Except in the depth of winter and at horse shows, I wear string gloves to ride in every day. It must be a throw-back from my fox hunting days. I just can’t stand to ride without them. They are cool in summer but warm enough in most of winter. I go through a pair of these every 18 months. They are comfortable, breath, give you some protection and they look good too! Win, win.

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https://herridinghabit.com/blogs/profiles/heather-wallace-the-timid-rider2018-11-07T22:07:00-05:002018-11-26T20:15:18-05:00Heather Wallace - The Timid RiderMolly McGinness
Hey there I’m Heather, the muse behind The Timid Rider, formerly Bridle & Bone. I am a certified equine and canine sports massage therapist in Monmouth County, New Jersey. While I’m confident at work and write about holistic wellness for horses and dogs, I am unsure of myself in the saddle.

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Hey there I’m Heather, the muse behind The Timid Rider, formerly Bridle & Bone. I am a certified equine and canine sports massage therapist in Monmouth County, New Jersey. While I’m confident at work and write about holistic wellness for horses and dogs, I am unsure of myself in the saddle. As a mom of three who returned to horse riding after almost 17 years with two feet on the ground, I sometimes have self-esteem issues. I have a lot of passion and a lot of self doubt.

This year I bought my first pony, Ferrous, a welsh/ thoroughbred cross and I couldn’t be happier! I have come far having the ability bond through groundwork; jumping practice; and spending quality time together.

So here are a few of my favorite things.

My LeMieux ProSorb Nummah

Nummahs are not as common here in the US as they are in the UK. Ferrous has a weak topline, which we are working on building but my previous saddle pad and half pad were not what we needed. Ferrous is part thoroughbred and built exactly like one albeit 14.2 hands; high withered and with a narrow build. I found it on Country & Stable and was really pleased when it arrived. It was lush and very cushioned. This nummah holds me perfectly balanced and keeps my saddle off Ferrous’ spine allowing for freedom of movement and better impulsion. I’ve had it several months and don’t think I will ever want a standard half pad again.

Country Boots

What equestrian doesn’t love a comfortable pair of country boots? I have the Ovation Rhona Country Boots, and love them. I wear them year round, and this pair of boots is perfect for groundwork, getting my pony in the paddock rain or shine, and riding. I live in fear they will crack or break on me but so far I’ve never had a problem. The quality and fit is amazing!

Helmet

Safety first! I’ve been on a horse only twice in my life without a helmet. I am a huge proponent of protecting my noggin. Accidents happen as we all know. More, I want to be a good example for my daughters.

Last year I had a bad fall off a 16.3 thoroughbred. He bucked, I flew and slid leaving a glorious imprint on the rain-packed ground. Although the wind was knocked out of me and I couldn’t breathe, my first thought was avoid the hooves. I was able to roll away. It wasn’t necessary because my horse stopped cold once I “involuntarily dismounted”, but equestrians have to be prepared for anything. Protect yourself and protect your head. My ribs healed eventually but brain injury has lifetime implications.

My schooling helmet of choice is the Ovation Protege helmet. It’s inexpensive, sturdy, well-ventilated, and I love the shine!

Insect Repellent

In New Jersey it is wet and humind throughout the year and bugs are prevalent, especially ticks. Despite most people’s thought that ticks die in winter, they do not. Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Fever, and more is quite common and most of the horses at my barn have chronic or acute Lyme Disease.

Years ago Ferrous contracted equine protozoal myeloencephalitis or EPM. He was extremely sick but lucky as it can be fatal. Usually contracted by a horse drinking contaminated water from opossum feces, it affects the nervous system. Luckily Ferrous had no lasting symptoms and came out stronger than ever, however, I need to avoid another disease affecting his nervous system at all costs.

I use two methods of insect repellent. I braided the pet tag from Only Natural Pet into his mane this season. While not tested on or marketing to horses yet, I was intrigued that the tag uses the animal’s energy field to magnetize and repel insects naturally. So Ferrous is my guinea pig.

In addition, I formulated an all-natural, organic insect repellent that I use personally and sell to my animal massage therapy clients. The Essentials by Heather Wallace Insect Repellent contains a variety of essential oils and carrier oils designed to effectively repel common insects like mosquitos, flies, ticks, bees, wasps, and spiders.

I respect spiders but they terrify me.

The bonus? The spray smells good; safe for humans, dogs, and horses; and it works!

Using these two products in conjunction, I have not found a single tick on Ferrous yet this year. #winning

Sense of humor

I was going to write treats as my fifth must-have item because Ferrous is very food oriented. But upon reflection, I think the most important thing I need when at the barn is a sense of humor. I have a very busy life with three kids; a husband; two dogs; two businesses; and a recently releasing my book, Confessions of a Timid Rider. Sometimes that means I am a little stressed or feel hurried. The barn is my safe place, where I can relax and leave my worries behind. That is, unless they are worries about my terrible riding skills. But even then, I often will laugh at myself or my pony for doing something silly. It takes some of the pressure off and let’s us have fun together.

For me, horses are not a profession they are a passion. If you aren’t having fun with your passion then why are you passionate about it?